Is 56 Too Old For a Lower Body Lift? I've Lost 70 Lbs.

Hi there-

While a Lower Body Lift, being one of the longer operations done for improvement in the body contour of patients like yourself, does therefore have a relatively higher level of risk than shorter, smaller operations, there is no reason to believe that (all other things being equal) your age necessarily increases these risks to the point of making the operation contra-indicated for you.

More important than your age is your overall state of health, the details of the procedure planned (which will depend on who is doing your surgery), and how carefully you are prepared for surgery by your surgeon and medical doctor.

These are among the more important reasons why choosing your surgeon carefully and based on the appropriate criteria (education, training, experience, skill, talent, history of ethical behavior) is so important.

As long as you are in good health,  you have chosen your surgeon appropriately (and not based on his great low price), and you are prepared well for surgery, you should be able to enjoy a safe and positive experience and outcome.

Good luck!

Hello! Thank you for your question! Age alone is not a contraindication
to a surgical procedure. There are a few medical
comorbidities that contribute to a higher risk during any surgical
procedure including infections, wound complications, delayed wound
healing, bleeding, anesthetic risks, etc. Factors such as diabetes,
hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart problems, lung problems,
etc are more common in the elderly. However, if you are healthy, or
these conditions are well-controlled, you would certainly still be a
candidate for a surgical procedure. If your complaints or desires are
great enough to consider the surgical option, I would seek a
consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your complaints and go
over the options as well as risks and benefits of the procedure.You
should obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician that
you
are at an acceptable risk for undergoing a surgical procedure. For
elective or aesthetic procedures, your surgeon may want to get you to a
reasonable health status prior to consideration for a procedure.
Discuss all of
your medical comorbidities and medication with your surgeon prior and
discuss these risks. Also, discuss this with your anesthesiologist as
proper monitoring and medications will be watched closely. This
procedure should still be very safe for you and hope for an
uncomplicated course with an excellent result! Hope that this helps!
Best wishes!

The most important thing about a 360 body lift is your general health, not your age.  As long as you are healthy and your internist or cardiologist has "cleared" you for the 360 body lift, I believe the surgery should be safe.  For patients who are over 55 years old undergoing a 360 body lift, I usually obtain additional tests.  These tests include a stress test and a carotid duplex test. Not all plastic surgeons order these additional tests.  This is my personal protocol and is based solely on my experience.  Good luck with your 360 body lift.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Well congratulations on your accomplishment.  Your age is less inportant than your health status.  Hopefully the weight loss helped improved your health, but any residual issues should be carefully addressed.

Since your surgery is in two weeks, I am sure your surgeon has peformed the necessary tests and lab studies you may need.  Best wishes, Dr. L.

 

Great job!! And NO its definitely not too old!!  I would wait for 6 months of weight stability before you have surgical procedures. Unfortunately there is no effective non-surgical method.  However, a body lift can truly change your life. Excess abdominal fat  and skin is removed, the abdomen and your core is tightened, your hips are raised and defined and your buttock has new definition and shape.  The combination is powerful and the results are immediate. I would do the body lift first, then stage procedures every 4-6 months. Healing time is 2-4 weeks. The most important thing is safety. Please don't compromise on this! See a board certified plastic surgeon